Electromagnetic switch-setting apparatus and electric rail-heater.



PATENTED JAN. 2, 1906.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

B. 0. WAGNER.

ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCH SETTING APPARATUS AND ELECTRIC RAIL HEATER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.9.1905.

PATENTED JAN. 2, 1906.

B. O. WAGNER ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCH SETTING APPARATUS AND ELECTRIC RAIL HEATER.

a w... J m m M 2 A ZY/iln esseii" No. 809,236. PATENTBD JANQQ, 1906.

B. 0. WAGNER. ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCH SETTING APPARATUS AND ELECTRIC RAIL HEATER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.9, 1;905.

- 3 SHEETSSHBET 3.

N I/ E IV TO I? U Bruno 0170 146197291.

6 M I 5 c \m A m J .a 3 M w a I F U61 I m y fi A U a /I v j m n m M I 5 a 0 a M9 n M w w I V g I E M AUURNEKS UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BRUNO OTTO WAGNER, OF SWISSVALE. PENNSYLVANIA.

ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCH-SETTING APPARATUSAND ELECTRIC RAIL-HEATER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 2, 1906.

Application filed a c 9, 1905. Serial N0.,249,3l 5.

T 0 all whom, it nanny concern.-

Be it known that I, BRUNOOTTO WAGNER, at present residing at Swissvale, 1n the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electromagnetic Switch- Setting Apparatus and Electric RailHeat ers, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in electromagnetic switch-setting apparatus and rail-heaters, and the same is more particularly adapted for use in connection with my improved system of electric signaling and switch-setting for railroads disclosed in my copending application,.filed October 28, 1904, Serial No. 230,521.

Primarily my invention seeks to provide means for moving rail-switches electromagnetically under the control of the operator, which also comprises means for closing branch circuits to operate indicating devices at the operators station, to indicate the position of the switch.

' My invention also seeks to provide means for electrically heating switch-rails in the winter to prevent them becoming clogged with snow and ice, and thereby rendered inefiective.

In its generic nature my improved switchsetting apparatus comprises a hermeticallysealedcasing in which is mounted a reciproeating electric motor of a peculiar type, a longitudinallymovable rod cooperatively joined with the armature of said motor and to the switch-point-connecting rod, and means cooperating with said longitudinallymovable rod for holding the same in its adjusted positions. My invention also includes a pair of circuit-closers operable by the reciprocating armature for closing supplemental indicating or signaling circuits to indicate to the operator that the switch has been properly set.

In its generic nature my improved railheater comprises a casing adapted to be secured to the under side of the rail-switch base-plate, in which casing is mounted a plurality of heating-coils embedded in suitable material.

In its more detailed nature my improved switch-setting apparatus includes stationary solenoid and pole pieces of special construction semi inclosed by a metallic housing, an iron armature with'two magnet-coils which When energized cause the armature to deof Fig. 13.

scribe a single motion in one direction or the other, depending upon the direction in which current is flowing in the magnet-coils, and a combination of members for transmitting this motion elastically to the switch-shifting rod, including a toggle-spring attachment for mechanically locking the rail-points to their adjusted positions and a pair of contact-making devices actuated by the impulse of the armature as it reaches the limit of its movement in both directions.

With other objects in view that have been hereinbefore mentioned the invention also includes certain novel construction, combi nation, and arrangement of parts, all of which will be first described in detail and then specifically pointed out in the appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the railswitch-setting apparatus, taken substantially on the line 1 1 of Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a cross-section on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1, taken in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 3 is a detail view of the shifting-rod, together with its toggle-spring attachment. Fig. 4 is a detail view of the toggle-spring attachment looking in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view on the line Z Z of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a similar view on the lineo 6 of Fig. 5, showing the manner of fastening the driving-stud to the armaturebody. Fig. 7 is a detail view of the flexible cable-leads and their connection to the armature-coil. Fig. 8 is a cross-section on the line 8 8 of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the circuit-closing device, its operating-lever being removed. Fig. 10 is a central horizontal section of one of the rail-switchheating boxes. Fig. 11 is a crosssection on the line 11 11 of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is an end View of the heating-box with its cover removed. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the switch portion of the railroad-tracks and its immediate cooperating parts. Fig. 14 is a part section and part elevation on the line 14 14 d Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a complete system, such as disclosed in my application hereinbefore referred to, in connection with which my present invention is particularly designed to operate. Fig. 16 is a detail view showing the stufling-boxes for passing the leading-in cables into the housing 5.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters of reference des- IIO i nate like parts in all the figures, I designates the main track, which is connected with the side tracks II by a switch, as clearly shown in Figs. 13 and 14 of the drawings, by refer ence to which it will be seen that the switchpoints 1 2 are pivoted at 1 2*, respectively, to steel plates 1 2*, respectively, upon which they rest. The switch-points 1 2 are connected to move in unison with the rod 38 of the electromagnetic switch-setting apparatus inclosed in the housing 5, which will be more fully referred to later. As conditions may require, a pit 7 u may be'provided to rethe top of a suitable pole when the semaphore form of signal is used.

When my invention is used in connection with dwarf signals of the ordinary type,

in which the signal comprises two plates of different colors mounted axially on a short vertical shaft and at right angles to each other, so as to rotate with the shaft through an angle of ninety degrees, and in which a lantern of rectangular shape having differentcolored windows is secured at the junction of said plates, so that when turned into its locked position it will throw a corresponding and steady color-signal in the distance, the

construction is substantially the same as for the semaphore mechanism. The operating mechanism of the dwarf signal is placed in a weatherproof housing similar to that of the semaphore, as described.

When the switch-blades are in the position shown in Fig. 13, so that a train approaching from K in the direction of L will be switched over to the siding II, the semaphore-blade is held horizontally, as shown in Fig. 1 1, so as to indicate to trains approacln ing from L toward the direction of K that the switch has been set for the siding and that there is danger for a train to approach further.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 15 of the drawings, which designates diagrammatically the complete arrangement of my improved system, it will be seen that the por tion indicated below the parallel horizontal dot-and-dash linesconstitutes the portion of my improved apparatus within the operators station, which comprises the switch-in.- dicator A, the signal-indicator B, the circuit closing switch E, the reversing-circuit-closing switch F, the current-indicating ammeter 13, together with the electrical connections between each of said parts and their electrical connections to the line-wires. The linewires, siX in number, which connect the op erators station with the track apparatus, are designated by'the reference-letters M, M M M M and M, and these wires may be run either as air-lines, or they may be combined into one'or more cables and run underground.

For convenience of description I shall first describe the general construction and ar rangement of apparatus in the operators station.

The track-indicator A comprises a softiron horseshoe-magnet 19, between the legs of which on a pivot 21 the armature 23 is mounted. The armature 23 is provided with an indicating-pointer 25 to cooperate with a suitable dial-plate upon which suitable indicating characters are formedfor instance, the characters I and IIto indicate that track I is clear or that siding II is open.

19 and 19 designate the coils of the magnet 19, one of which, 19, is connected with the line-wirev M and to the contact-points f 0 and f of the reversing-switch F, while the other, 19*, is connected to the line-wire M and to the contact-points f and f of the switch F.

The signal-indicator B is of similar construction to the track-indicator A and comprises generally a soft-iron horseshoe-magnet 20, providd with separate coils 20 and 20 the coil 2O being connected with the linewire M and the coil 2O being connected to the line-wire M while both coils 20 and 20 are also connected with the contact-point e of the switch. The magnet 20 is mounted on its panel in a vertical position similarly to magnet 19 of the indicator A, and midway between the legs of the magnet 20 I suspend on a pivot 22 an armature 24, which in its normal position is held equidistant from the polepieces of the magnet 20 and is provided with an indicator-pointer 26 to cooperate with a suitable dial u on which suitable indicating characters are formedas, for instance, C and Dto designate clear and danger, respectively. The indicator B not only indicates the position of the signals, but also indicates defects in the line. The indicator A not only indicates the position of the trackswitch, but also defects in its respective line, as will be more fully understood hereinafter.

The switch F is in the nature of a double throw reversing-switch, and it has its knifecontacts f and f connected with the line wires M and M respectively. The contactpoint e of the switch E and the contact-point f of the switch F are both connected with the line-wire M through a cut-out switch 12, as shown, and the contact-point e of the switch E connects, through the ammeter 13, to the line-wire M The contact-points e e of the switch E connects, through safety-fuses 14 The ammeter 13 may be of any approved construction, as the same per se forms no part of my present invention.

The semaphore mechanism H comprises a rotatable iron armature 55 of the Siemens shuttle type, upon which the armature-coil 55 is wound. The armature 55 is secured to the semaphore-shaft, which is journaled in the front and rear walls of the housing 8 and to which thesignaling-arm 3 and tail-plate 3 of the semaphore are attached.

53 and 53 designate a pair of stationary field-magnet coils for cooperating with the armature 55", and these coils are connected in series to produce north and south polarity,

' (designated by N and S, respectively,) on opposite sides of the armature 55 to cooperate with the magnetic poles x and y of the said armature. The coils 53 and 53 are connected in series with one another and across the linewires M and M and in multiple with the fieldcoils 27 a and 27 of the switch-setting mechanism G, hereinafter again referred to.-

68 68 designate a pair of circuit closers or keys, and the lever or movable contact por tion of each circuit-closer 68 68 are electrically connected together by a wire 83, which connects with a two-branch switch 17, one contact 17 of which connects, through a signaling-lamp 1 6, with the line-wire M while the other contact 17 of the snap-switch 17 connects, through a resistancecoil 18, to the line-wire M The circuit-closers 68' and 68 are normally held open by springs or other equivalent devices.

55 designates a lever fastened to but insulated from the armature 55*, which when the armature moving the semaphore blade reaches the limit of its movement engages one or the other of the movable contact or lever portions of the circuit-closers 68 68 to cause it to close the circuit. The fixed contact of the circuit-closer 68 is joined to the line-wire M, while the fixed contact of the other circuitcloser 68 is connected to the line-wire M To limit the angle of movement of the semaphore-blade and lock it to its final position to prevent it from turning backward when current is cut off from the apparatus, any suit able means (not shown) may be provided, as the same per .96 forms no part of my present invention covered by this application.

The snap-switch 17 is preferably mounted at any convenient place on the signal-pole 10, so that the same may be operated to cut out the lamp 16 and cut in the resistance 18, or vice versa, as conditions may require, it being understood that the ohmic resistance of the lamp 16 and that of the resistance 18 must be the same. The lamp 16 and resistance 18 are disposed within the casing 9, as before mentioned.

When the armature 55 is in motion, the keys 68 68 are both set free, and the circuit containing the lamp 16 is thereby opened. A protraction in this period or a failing of the contact-making devices would allow the lamp 16 to remain cut out, and thereby cause severe accidents to happen. To overcome this, I provide a second lamp 71, which is inclosed in a colored lantern 4 of the semaphore-casing, which lamp 71 I connect across the terminals of the armature-coil 55 and in parallel with the armature-circuit 55 the lamp 71 being rated at a voltage equal to the difference of potential at the terminals of the armature-coil 55 A small resistance or reactance coil 82, connected in series with the lamp 71, serves to compensate the excessive voltage and flow of current at the moment of closing the armature-circuits, so as to protect the said lamp from injuryas, for example, supposing the semaphore-blade is in an inclined position (see Fig. 14) and the switch 12 is closed, so that the stationary field-coils 27 27 of the switch apparatus G and those, 53 53 of the semaphore mechanism H are excited, the armature 55 of the semaphore mechanism being in such a position with respect to the field-coils 53 55 that the maximum number of lines of force are traversing the said armature in the direction of 53 00 y 53*. Now when the lever of the reversing-switch F is thrown onto contacts f 2 f the armature of the rail-switchsetting apparatus moves from left to right and the semaphore-blade from its positlon 8 'to 3. Looking in the direction of the pole y of the armature 53, the current will flow clockwise in wire turns of the coil 55 and produce a magnetic flux in the direction of 'y to a: in the iron body of the armature, which flux, because it is opposite to the flux of the coils 53 53 weakens the active field of the magnetic circuit and causes the armature to rotate counter-clockwise. Decreasing the magnetic field results in exciting an electromotive force which causes a clockwise current to flow in the coil-windings when looking in the direction of the magnetic flux through the armature, and thereby increases the electrical potential at the terminal in the armature 55. At the moment of closing the circuit by the switch F the lamp takes the electrical ressure at the armature-terminals, which wilTbe equal to the drop in voltage in the armature-coil (due to its internal resistance) plus the inductive electromotive force, whose strength depends on the number of wire turns which weaken the active field of the magnetic circuit and the time in which the change is brought about. The coils of the armature 29 of the switch-setting apparatus G will cause no inductive reaction in the armature, as said coils are wound in opposite directions to each other.

Supposing the number of turns in the armature-coil to equal eight hundred, the number of lines of force produced in this coil by a working current of 4.4 amperes in this branch to equal forty thousand centimeter gram seconds units, the time of changing the flux by this amount assumed to be one-fifteenth seconds, copper resistance of armature-coil to equal nine ohms, then the e'fl ective voltage at the lamp-terminals at the moment the armature-voltage is closed will be 44.4 volts. In this case an incandescent lamp rated at forty volts would be used, because 39.6 volts is the electrical pressure at the armature-terminal after the inductive action of the coil has ceased, and in view of the fact that excessive voltage shortens the life of a lamp, particularly when the lamp is cut in and out many times a day, a small reactance-coil 82 is connected in circuit with the lamp 71 to absorb the eleven per cent. of excessive voltage at the moment of closing the armature-circuit.

The rail-switch-setting apparatus (designated generally by G in Fig. 1.5 of the draw ings) comprises the magnet-coils 27 27 of insulated copper wire, which coils are located in cup-shaped iron shells 27 27 respec; tively. The shells 27 27 are held in. a fixed and oppositely-disposed position to each other inside of a housing of nonmagnetic material which is fastened to the iron shells 27 27 by a plurality of screws 28, (see Figs.

- 1 and 2,) and the housing consists of two semicircular portions, (designated by 28 and 28,) the part 28 serving as a top portion, while the part 28 serves as a base portion. The top and base portions 28 and 28 respectively, are so arranged with respect to t e shells 27 and 27 as to leave two side openings (designated by w and w see Fig. 2) extending the entire length of the housing. The base 28 is provided with legs by means of which it 1s fastened to the bottom plate 5 of the housing 5, which incloses the entire switch-setting apparatus, while the top part 28 on one side carries a horizontally-projecting hub or boss 28, the purpose of which Wlll presently appear. Both shells 27 and 27 are of like construction, each cons sting of a hub-shaped portion 27, provided with a central aperture, a short tubular portion 27 provided. on the outside with a peripheral collar 27, to which the housing parts 28 and 28 are secured by the screws 28, before mentioned. Each shell 27 and 27 also includes an outer web for connecting the hub 27 with the tubular portion 27 Mounted to slide in the central apertures of the shells 27 and 27 is a sliding iron rod 29, to which the iron body of the pulleyshaped armature 30 is secured. The pulley-shaped armature 30, like the shells 27 and 27 is cast in one piece and comprises a hub 30, a webshaped portion 30 and a rim 30. The armature-body 30 is formed with two end cavities to receive the armature-coils 31. 31 respectively, of insulated copper wire, which are wound in opposite directions and connected in series to each other, so that like magnetic polarities will be produced in both outer ends of the armature-rim 30 when a current is sent through. the coils. The armature-rim 30 is provided with internal conical faces at both ends to fit the external conical end faces of the tubular portion 27 of the shells 27 and 27". To maintain the armature-coils 31 31. in their proper positions, two disks 32 32, respectively, of nonmagnetic material are secured to the ends of the hub 30 by screws, as clearly shown in Figs. 1, 7, and 8.

The magnet-coils 27 and 27 are secured in position on the hub portions 27 of the shells 27 and 27, respectively, by disks 32 and 32 respectively, while the wire terminals of said coils are carried through insulated bushings 27 27*, 27 and 27 respectively. (See Figs. 1, 2, and 7.)

As will be seen, with reference to Figs. 7 and 8, the armature-rim 30 is provided with a channel or groove 30 and two slots 30 and 30 within said channel, all being arranged parallel withthe shaft 29. Within said groove or channel 31 and fastened to the armature-body is a prismatic block 31 of insulating material-such as hard fiber, lava, slate, or other similar substancesaid block 31 being arranged to slide lengthwise in the opening w of the housing 28 28 and being provided with four apertures to support insulated flexible cables which are joined to the armature-coils. Two short cable-leads serve to connect both armature-coils with each other, while the cables 31 and 31 are adapted to connect with the terminal plate 31 on the flat portion 5 of the housingframe 5, as clearly shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The terminal plate 31 consists of an insulating base-plate of slate, marble, or lava, on which a plurality of metallic terminal blocks are mounted, preferably eight (8) terminals, four of which are provided with three binding-screws each, while the others are provided with two screws o'nly.

Diametrically opposite to the cable-block 31 and arranged in the channel 30 of the armature-rim 30 is a metallic block 34, fastened to the armature-rim by cap-screws 34 and 34 as shown, and the said block 34 is guided in the opening w of the solenoid-housing, as clearly shown in Figs. 1, 2,and 5 of the drawings. The middle portion of this block is provided with an integrally-formed-hub to receive the projecting steel bolt 33, which is firmly secured to it, and transmits the motion of the armature to an intermediate lever 35, (see Figs. 1 and 5,) and the said lever 35 has its fulcrum upon the bolt 36 at the boss 28, (see Fig. 5,) whose boss is formed on the housing portion 28. The lower arm of the lever 35 is formed with a claw 35", which embraces the bolt 33, while the upper end of the arm 35 is formed with a bifurcated jaw 35 to surround the metallic sleeve 37 and engage with the cross-pin 37 a by means of slots in both arms and jaw 35 To obtain the advantage of a long intermediate lever 35, the pin 37 is located in the upper portion of the sleeve 37, where it is securely held in a fiXed position by the set-screw 37 The sleeve 37 is slidable upon an iron or steel rod 38, uponwhich rod 38 and on each side of the sleeve 37 coil-springs 37 37 d are arranged.

40 40 designate adjusting-nuts on the rod 38 for cooperating with the coil-springs 37 37 respectively. (See Figs. 1 and 3.) Two counter-nuts 40 and 40 serve to secure the adjusting-nuts in their respective positions. The ends 38" and 38 of the rod 38 are smaller in diameter than thecollar portion and are endwise-movably mounted in bearings 39 39", respectively, which are formed in the shape of stoppers and fit into similar openings in the short side walls in the housing-frame 5 to which they are secured by cap-screws. To facilitate taking the mechanism to pieces, these two openings are large enough to enable the sleeve 37 to be passed therethrough with ample clearancespace. As shown more particularly in Figs. 1 and 3, the screw-threaded portion of the rod 38 carries, in addition to the abovementioned nuts, a coupling-piece 41 for cooperating with a toggle-spring attachment, and the said coupling-piece consists of a cylindrical sleeve and a pair of clevises 41, all formed of a single iece of cast-iron or other suitable metal. I inged in the clevises 41 on a pin 41 is an iron eyebolt 42, which is guided by and slidable in apertures in the arms 43 43 of a swinging bracket 43. The bracket-arm 43 is formed with a bearing 43 and is so arranged as to be capable of turning upon the pivot 44 of a steel stud 44, which is tightly secured into a boss 5 of the housingframe 5 as shown in Fig. 2. To the eyebolt 42 a collar 42 is fastened by means of a pin 42 and a coil-spring 45 is fitted on the bolt 42 between the arm 43 and the collar 42*. By reason of the arrangement of the rod 42, its collar 42, the spring 45, and the bracket 43, in which they are mounted, the swingbracket 43 tends to always assume an inclined position to the shifting-rod 48, and thereby lock the latter to its final positions of movement. The springs 37 and 37 on the rod 38 serve as buffers to take up the percussion of the toggle-spring attachment.

To join the shifting-rod 38 to the connect ing-bar 6, (see Figs. 13 and 14 of the drawings,) a metallic coupling-piece 46 is secured to the end 38 of the rod 38 by a pin or key 46, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. The protecting metallic housing 5 consists of a bottom plate 5, a frame 5 and'a cover 5, all of which parts are preferably constructed of castiron. The bottom plate 5 and the cover 5 are shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings as being secured to the frame 5 by a number of cap-screws, and I desire it understood that I may cast the frame and bottom plate in a single piece, if found desirable, and hinge the top plate 5 to the frame 5 to 0perate as a trap-door with hinges and lock in any ordinary manner, and thereby avoid the use of screws to secure the parts of the casing together. In either case, however, the coverplate is provided with one or two eyebolts 5 5 to facilitate lifting the frame. The frame 5 as before intimated, has two openings and bosses for the aforesaid bearings 39 39 and a boss 5 for the toggle-bracket support as well as a flat portion 5 for the terminal plate. In practice the casing 5 is provided with metallic stufling-boxes (see Fig. 16) for the leading-in cables which are similar in construction to those of the heating-boxes. (Shown in Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings.) In practice there are six of these stuffing-boxes for the casing 5, four of which are designed to permit passage of a three-wire cable, while the other two are for one-wire cables, to allow connection with the heating-boxes. By providing these stuffing-boxes for the entry of the cables all connections can be made within the housing 5, and the use of a hermeticallyclosed separate junction-box is avoided.

The circuit-closers or keys 47 a and 47 b are each mounted upon a plate 48, of slate, marble, lava, or other suitable insulating and noncombustible material, which plates 48 are secured by countersunk screws 48 and 48 to the bottom plate 5 of the housing 5. Figs. 1, 2, and 9.) Each circuit-closer consists of a metallic pillar 49, that rises from a foot-plate 49 and terminates in a horizontal arm and jib 49 with an adjoining hub portion 49 An angular lever 50 is fulcrumed upon the cylindrical neck of a screw 49, which is fastened into a boss 49 at the place where the aforesaid arm joins the pillar. designates a metallic plate having a mercurycontaining cup 51. The pillar 49, as well as the terminal plate 51, is secured to the insulating base-plate 48 by screws whose heads are deeply sunk into the bottom of the baseplate, while the threaded portion of the screws are screwed into the foot-plates 49 51*, respectlvely, and the extending ends of said screws being provided with nuts for making wire connections.

The vertical arm of the lever 50 is formed into a head-piece that carries an adjustable set-screw 5O and is centrally slitted in a line parallel with the axes of the screw. The pressure against the threads of the screw can be increased to secure the screw in place by means of a cap-screw 50", arranged above and at right angles to the screw 50*. The end piece of the lower arm of the lever 50 is (See arranged similarly to the end piece of the vertical arm of the lever and is provided with a screw 50 serving the same function as the screw 50*. A set-screw 50 is so located that its pointer end will dip into the mercury-cup 51 and close the electric circuit when the lever 50 is actuated by the moving power of the armature. Instead of slitting the leverheads and using separate tightening-screws 50 50, respectively, I desire it understood that I may provide both lever ends with plain hubs and use counter-nuts to tighten the aforesaid screws to their places. A coilspring 52, attached to a pin 49 on the pillar 49 and a pin 50 on the lever 50, raises the latter until it engages the adjusting-screw 49 held in the hub-shaped end of the jib 49 to hit the contact-screw 50 from the mercury-cup.

As will be further seen by reference to Fig. 1, hard-fiber bolts 29 29 formed with slightly-projecting heads, are screwed into the ends of the armature-rod 29, and these bolts serve to insulate the armature or circuit-closers to prevent the armature 29 becoming charged with current when in contact with the circuit-closers Considering now the rail-heaters, (disclosed in detail in Figs. 10, 11, and 12,) it will be seen that each rail-heater comprises a plurality of porcelain, clay, or lava tubes 72, 72 and 72", provided with helical grooves over its cylindrical surfaces, and these tubes are held by friction on iron tubes 73, 7 3 and 73, which are fastened to a cast-iron plate 74, forming, as it were, a partition-wall within the cast-iron casing 75, which casing incloses the heaters entirely and protects them against moisture and other injuries. A number of cap-screws 74 serve to fasten the plate 74 against a ledge 75 inside of the casing 75, the open end of which casing is covered by a metallic plate-7 6, hermetically pressed against the casing by cap-screws held in the projecting portions 75 and 7 5 of the casing 75.

' The cover-plate 76 is provided with two stuffing-boxesby means of which the conductor-cables are hermetically carried into the interior of the casing to connect with the aforesaid heating-coils. Each stufling-box consists of a metallic cap 77, internally threaded to fit the neck portions 76 76*, respectively. A soft-lead or rubber ring 78 serves to produce a hermetical joint between the cable and the stufling-box. In order to connect the cable with the resistance-wire (heating-coil) that is wound in the helical grooves on each porcelain tube, the uninsulated portion of the conductor of said cable is carried through heat with standing and insulating bushings 79, 79 79", and 79 inside of the metallic tubes 73 73 73 All joints are then made tight by means of screws on the metallic clamping-rings 80 80", 80, 80 80*, 80 and 80 which latter are held by friction and set-screws at both ends of each insulating-tube 72*, 72 and 72. The space between the heating-tubes and the casing-wall is filled with sand, and the boxes are fastened on the under side of the base-plates of the rail-switches by means of capscrews passing through the lugs 75, 75 75 and 7 5 The rail-heaters11 and 11 just described are preferably connected in series in the main line-wire M between the switch-setting apparatus G and the operators station.

Having thus generally described the cir cuits and operative arrangement of the parts constituting my present invention and the complete system in which it is particularly adapted for use, I shall now briefly proceed to explain the consecutive steps of operation of my present invention as used in connection with the complete system before referred to.

Operation: Assuming that a night train is expected to come over track L in the direction from L to K and the position of the railswitch and sem aphore-blade being as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, as the track I is still broken by the switch-points 1 2 (being set to direct a train into the siding) the signal-arm 3 of the semaphore stands in a horizontal position and the colored-glass disk in the tail-plate 3 which plate is in conjunction with the signaling-arm 3, covers the rear opening in the casing 9, thereby throwing a colored-light signal in the direction toward L to warn the engineer of an approaching train that there is danger. The armature 29 of the switch apparatus G is now in the position shown in Fig, 15, whereby the circuit-closer 47 is closing a branch circuit from the double poleswitch F through the coil 19*, line-wire M circuit-closer 47 resistance 81, wire 81 field-coil 27 main return-wire M, back through switch E to current source. At the same time an additional current from switch F passes through coil 19 of the indicator A and line-wire M through coils 31 31 of ar mature 29 and wire M to the terminal block of the semaphore-armature, where it is split into two branches, one part of the current passing through armature-windings 55 the other part passing through light 71 and reactance-coil 82, so that the sum of both currents will flow through wire M armature-coils 31 31 of the switch-setting apparatus, armature-coil 55 of semaphore apparatus, line-wire M, coil 19 of indicator A, to the other pole f of the reversing-switch F, to the main return-wire h/ i It is obvious that under these conditions the.

coil 19 is producing a stronger magnetic pull toward the armature 23 than the coil 19*, and therefore the armature 23 is moved in the direction shown in Fig. 15 to direct its pointer 25 over the indicating character II to signify that side track II is free for passage while track I is broken. Another ourrent is passing at the same time through the main wire M and the electricalheatersI1 11 to a main terminal plate inside of the v housing of the switch-setting apparatus G,

apparatus in the semaphore-housing where it is divided into two branch circuits, one portion of the current passing through the field-coils 27 a 27 b and the other portion through the line-wire M to the semaphore where the current again divides, as follows: one portion passin through the lamp 16 to the contact 17 a and across switch 17 through wire 83 to the circuit-closer 68 which being closed permits the current to flow through line-wire M and coil 20 of the indicator B to contact 6 of the switch E, across the switchblade to contact 6 and through fuse 14 to the negative bus-bar of the powerstation. Another portion of the current passes through the field-coils 53 53 of the semaphore-operating mechanism to the line-wire M and through the line-wire M and switch E to the negative bus-bar of the power-station. When, however, the switch 17 is turned to close with the contact 17 the portion of the current which was flowing through lamp 16 will then flow through resistance 18 and the lamp 71 will be cut out. As the cur rent flows through the coil 20 the armature 24 will be attracted toward the right until its indicator 26 points-to the dial-letter D to indicate that the semaphore-blade is in its horizontal position, to which it has just been moved, it being understood that the toggle devices connected with the armature of the semaphore-operating mechanism, together with the action of the magnetic fields of the armature-coil 55 and the field-coils 53 and 53 sustain the semaphore-blade in its set position. In the switch-setting apparatus G a magnetic field of constant polarity is pro duced by its two field-coils, so that, for instance, the inside end of the coil 27 forms a south pole and that of the coil 27 a north pole. In order to force the armature 29 into the right-handed position, as shown in Fig. 15, the outer ends had to be rendered with south magnetic poles, which was done by throwing the lever of the reversing-switch F into position shown in Fig. 13 to engage with the contactsf 2 f When the switch 12 is open, the current-flow through coils 27 53*, and 53 is reduced to a minimum, while a slightly-stronger current from the line-wire M through the heaters 11 11 is passing the field-coil 27', wire 81 resistance 81, then joining with the main branch flow in the armature-windings 31 31 and 51 line-wire M and indicator-coil 19, &c., to slightly in crease the attractive power of that pole of the indicator-magnet 19 which lies above the dial-letter I. The armature 23, however, will not change its position over the dial'-let ter II, since the same is practically out of the sphere of the attractive power of said stronger magnet-pole. Neither will opening the switch 12 effect the functions and positions of the other operating devices, so that no visible changes will be noticed in the whole system except in the reading of the ammeter 13, which shows a reduced current consumption. After breaking the armature-circuit by lifting the lever of the switch F the armature 23 of the indicator A will drop to its peripheral position, whereas armature 29 of switch-setting apparatus and ar mature 55 of semaphore mechanism are held in their set positions by any suitable toggle devices, (not shown,) and a small current will pass through line M heaters 11 11 line-wire M lamp 16, switch 17, wire 83, circuit-closer 68 line-wire M coil 20 of indicator B, through contacts 6 e of switch E, and fuse 14 to the negative busbar of the station. The lamp 16 will therefore be lighted. The armature 24 of the indicator B still points to the indicatin -letter D on the indicating-plate to indicate danger, and the ammeter 13 indicates the amount of current consumed by the lamp 16, the lamp 71, however, being now extinguished. Should, however, any of the apparatus in connection with the line-wire M 2 or M suddenly fail in its funotions-for instance, should the lamp 16 burn out-the armature 24-of the indicator B will take a perpendicular position and the hand of the ainmeter 13 will rest at its zero-mark. In such exceptional cases the signal-operator will have the apparatus in such condition inspected and until the fault is remedied he will throw the lever of the reversing-switch F back into its former position to close with contacts f y, thereby relighting lamp 71 in lantern 4, thus giving a warning signal to the approaching train. Supposing now that the track I to be arranged for an arriving train from L, the signal-operator will first close the switch E in case the plant had been shut off from the current-supply source, whereupon the ammeter 13 shows the amount of current taken by signal-lamp 16. The indicatorB will then point to the index D to indicate danger, and thus assures the operator that the semaphore-arm 3 is in its horizontal or danger-indicating position and the colored-glass disk of the tail-plate 3 covers the lamp 16 to also indicate danger. By thus closing the switch 12 the magnetic field of the switch-setting apparatus G and the semaphore mechanism H will be excited'i. e., a flux of lines of force will take its way through the armatures 29 and 55 in the direction of 27 to 27 a and 53 to 53 That the said circuit is perfect and that the fields are excited is shown by the increased inflection of the ammeter 13, the hand of which should coincide with a distinctly-marked index upon its scale. By throwing the lever of the reversing-switch F onto the metallic contacts f and f the am IIO ' rent source.

' tion of the whole plant.

meter 18 will indicate the current consump- The pointer of the instrument should also cover an index-mark of the scale. may be of any approved type or construc tion, as the same per se forms no part of my present invention. Owing to the reversed current of the armature-circuit, the coils 31" 31 of the switch-setting apparatus G will render the outer ends of the armature 29 north poles, consequently moving the armature to the left to release-the circuit-closer 47 and close the circuit at circuit-closer 17 to form a branch circuit from line-wire M to knife-contact f switch-blade of switch F, contact f, indicator-coil 19", line-wire M circuit-closer 47 resistance 81,wire 81 ,fieldcoil 27 main return-wire M, back to the cur- Under this arrangement the magnetic field of the coil 19 exceeds that of the coil 19 so that the armature 23 of the indicatorAis pulled to the left, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1.5, so that its pointer 23 coincides with the indicating-letter I on the dial and indicates that the rail-switch has opened track I for traflic, as required. At the instant that the coils of the armature 29 are energized a flux of line of force in the semaphore-armature 55 is also produced by the coil 55 and as this magnetic fluXis across the armature-field in. the direction 06 to t'. (2., in the same direction as the flow of mag netism through the stationary coils 53 53 the armature will be turned. clockwise until the semaphore-blade reaches the position at 3 (shown in Fig. 14:) and the lever 55 releases the circuit-closer 68 and closes the circuit at the circuit-closer 68, thereby closing the circuit through the lamp 16, snapswitch 17, wire 83, circuit-closer 68 line wire M, coil 20 of the indicator B, and return-wire to the current source. The armature 24 will be pulled to the left, and its pointer 26 will then coincide with the indicating-letter C on its dial to indicate that the semaphore has taken its proper safetyposition and a clear signal is sent out by the lamp 16 from the casing 9. When the switch F is again opened, the armature 23 of the indicator A swings back to its perpendicular position, the current-flow through the two armatures is broken oil, and the lamp 71 extinguished, while lamp 16 is kept burning. The switch-setting apparatus and the semaphore-operating mechanism H are locked to their present positions by the toggle-spring attachments before referred to. By means of the snap-switch 17 the signal-operator is further enabled to observe at his station whether and at What time the lamp 16 is turned out of circuit and the resistance 18 substituted therefor, and vice versa, by simply observing the time when the indicator B shows this change, it being understood that as the switch 17 cuts out lamp 16 and cuts in -The indexes of the ammeter resistance 18, and vice versa, the indicator B fluctuates, dropping to zero at the instant the change is made from lamp to resistance and moving to its indicating position immediately the resistance or the lamp is cut in. The principal object of switch 12 is to open and close heating and field circuits for any period of time without causing changes in the signals.

From the foregoing, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it 1s thought the complete construction, operation, and many advantages of my invention will be readily understood, and while I have particularly described my present invention as being particularly adapted for use in connection with the improved system disclosed in my copending application before referred to, yet I desire it understood that my invention can be used in connection with other systems in which it would be applicable.

I do not desire to limit myself to the use of my present invention in connection with the particular system disclosed in my copending application before referred to.

Having thus described my invention,what I claim, and desire to secure byLetters Patent,

1. A switch-setting mechanism of the character stated, comprising a casing, a reciprocating electric motor mounted therein, a rod reciprocatably mounted in said casing and projecting outside thereof and adapted to be connected to the switch-pointconnecting rod, a lever connection within the casing between the reciprocating motor and the reciprocating rod for imparting the motion of the motor to the rod, and circuitclosers mounted within the casing at each end of the motor and adapted to be operated by the reciprocating motor, substantially as shown and described.

2. In. a switch-setting apparatus of the character stated, a casing, bearings detachably secured in the end walls therein, a rod reciprocatably mounted in said bearings and projecting outside of the casing, a coupling member on the end of said rod adapted to be connected with the switch-pointjoining rod, a sleeve loosely held on the first-mentioned rod, buffer-springs at each side of said sleeve on said first-mentioned rod, a reciprocating electric motor mounted within the casing, a lever pivotally secured within the casing and connected with said sleeve on said firstmentioned rod and with the reciprocating armature of the motor whereby the motion of the motor is imparted to said first-mentioned rod, said motor including stationary field-magnets and a reciprocating armature magnet, a shaft for said armature-magnet reciprocatably mounted in apertures in the field-magnets, and circuit-closers within the casing adapted to be engaged by said armatureshaft to operate the same as the shaft reaches the limit of its movement in each direction,

armature to switch-rail points substantially as shown and described.

4. A switch-setting mechanism of the character stated, in combination with an electric motor consisting of a pair of stationary magnetcoils, cup-shaped iron pole-pieces for receiving said magnet-coils, a pulley-shaped armature having cavities in its ends, armaturecoils held in said armature-cavities, said cupshaped pole-pieces being centrally apertured, a shaft endwise movably held in said apertures of the pole-pieces, said armature being fixedly secured to said shaft to reciprocate between the pole-pieces, a rod mounted for endwise movement and a lever joining said rodwith said armature to impart the armature motion to the rod, said rod having means for connecting with the switchrail-connect ing rod.

5. A switch-setting mechanism of the character stated, comprising in combination with an electric motor consisting of a pair of stationary magnet-coils, cup-shaped pole-pieces for receiving said magnet coils, a pulleyshaped armature having cavities in its ends, armature-coils held in said armature-cavities, said cup-shaped pole-pieces being centrally apertured, a shaft endwise movably held in said apertures of the pole-pieces, said armature being fixedly secured to said shaft to reciprocate between the pole-pieces, a rod mounted for endwise movement and a lever joining said rod with said armature to impart the armature motion to the rod, said rod having means for connecting with the switch rail connecting rod, circuit closers mounted adjacent said pole-pieces and adapted to be engaged by the armature-shaft as it reaches the limit of its movement in each direction and toggle-spring devices for holding the parts in the position they assume when the armature is moved to the limit of,

with an electric motor consisting of a pair of stationary magnet-coils, cup-shaped iron pole-p1eces for receiving said magnetco1ls, a pulley-shaped armature having cavitles 1n its ends, armature-coils held in said armature-cavities, said cup-shaped pole-pieces being centrally apertured, a shaft endwise movably held in said apertures of the pole-pieces, said armature being fixedly secured to said shaft to reciprocate between the pole-pieces, a rod mounted for endwise movement and a lever joining said rod with said armature to impart the armature motion to the rod, said rod having means for connecting it with the switch-rail-connecting rod, of circuit-closers mounted adjacent said polepieces and adapted to be engaged by the armature-shaft as it reaches the limit of its movement in each direction, toggle devices for holding the parts in the position they assume when the armature has moved to the limit of its stroke in each direction, and a hermetically-closed housing for the whole, substantially as shown and described.

7. In a switch-setting apparatus, an electric -motor comprising a pair of stationary field-magnets each consisting of a cup-shaped iron pole-piece and energizing-coils held within the cup portion of said pole-pieces, a cylindrical tubular casing secured to said polepieces and closed at the ends by said pole pieces, said casing consisting of non-magnetic material, means for securing the energizing-coils of the field-magnets in position thereon, a pulley-shaped armature having cup portions at each end and mounted for reciprocation between the said pole-pieces within the casing, a shaft passing through apertures in the pole-pieces upon which said armature is fixedly secured, energizing-coils secured within the cup-shaped portion of the armature, means for holding said last-named coils in position, a reciprocating rod mounted adjacent to said motor, elastic connections between said rod and said motor-armature, whereby the motion of the armature is imparted to the rod, means for holding the rod and armature to their moved positions, and a hermetically-closed housing for the whole, substantially as shown anddescribed.

8. In a switch-setting apparatus, an elec tric motor comprising a pair of stationary field-magnets each consisting of a cup-shaped iron pole-piece and energizing-coils held within the cup portion of said pole-pieces, a cylindrical tubular casing secured to said polepieces and closed at the ends by said polepieces, said casing consisting of non-magnetic material, means for securing the energizing-coils of the field-magnets in position thereon, a pulley-shaped armature having cup portions at each end and mounted for reciprocation between the said pole-pieces Within the casing, a shaft passing through apertures in the pole-pieces upon which said adjacent to said motor, elastic connections between said rod and said motor-armature, whereby the motion of the armature is imparted to the rod, means for holding the rod and armature to their moved positions, a hermetically-closed housing for the whole, and circuit-closers mounted within said housing adjacent the ends of said motor and adapted to be engaged by the motor-shaft as it reaches the end of its stroke substantially as shown and described.

9. An apparatus of the character stated, comprising in combination with a pair of stationary field magnets consisting of cup shaped iron pole-pieces and energizing-coils held within the said polepieces, a housing of non-magnetic metal secured to and closed at the ends by said field-magnets, means for holding the coils of the field-magnets in position, said housing consisting of two semicylindrical parts embracing the pole-pieces to leave two longitudinal openings of equal widths extending the entire length of the housing and diametrically opposite to each other, said pole-pieces including centrallyapertured hubs to form bearings, a shaft longitudinally slidable in said hub-bearings, insulating-pins in the ends of said shaft, a pulley-shaped iron armature fixedly secured to the middle portion of said shaft, said armature having coil-receiving portions at each end, energizing-coils mounted in said armature, means for holding said coils in position on the armature, said armature including a cylindrical rim having a pair of diametrically-disposed parallel grooves, a block of insulating material secured to the armature in one of said grooves and adapted to permit passage of the terminal wires of the armature-coils and to project through one of the openings between the housing portions, a metallic block secured to the armature in the other armature-groove, said block having a projecting stud and adapted to project through the other opening between the housing-sections, one of said sections being formed with a lug, a lever pivotally secured to said lug and having a bifurcated end to engage the stud of the metallic armature-block and a longitudinally-movable rod ada )ted to be engaged by the free end of said ast named lever for imparting motion to the switchshifting rod, substantially as shown and described.

10. An apparatus of the character stated, comprising in combination with a pair of stationary field magnets consisting of cupshaped iron pole-pieces and energizing-coils held within the said pole-pieces, a housing of non-magnetic metal secured to and closed at the end by said field-magnets, means for holding the coils of the field-magnets in position said housing consisting of two semicylindrical parts embracing the pole-pieces to leave two longitudinal openings of equal widths extending the entire length of the housing and diametrically opposite to each other, said pole-pieces including centrallyapertured hubs to form bearings, a shaft longitudinally slidable in said hub-bearings, insulating-pins in the ends of said shaft, a pulley-shaped iron armature fixedly secured to the middle portion of said shaft, said armature having coilreceiving portions at each end, energizing-coils mounted in said armature, means for holding said coils in position on the armature, said armature including a cylindrical rim having a pair of diametricallydisposed parallel grooves, a block of insulating material secured to the armature in one of said grooves and adapted to permit passage of the terminal wires of the armaturecoils and to project through one of the openings between the housing portions, a metallic block secured to the armature in the other armature-groove, said block having a projecting stud and adapted to project through the other opening between the housing-sections, one of said housing sections being formed with a lug, a lever pivotally secured to said lug and having a bifurcated end to engage the stud of the metallic armature-block and a longitudinally-movable rod adapted to be engaged by the free end of said last-named lever for imparting motion to the switch, and apair of circuit-closers each adapted to be engaged by the armature-shaft as it reaches the limit of its stroke substantially as shown and described.

11. An apparatus of the character stated, comprising in combination with a pair of stationary field magnets consisting of cupshaped iron pole-pieces and energizing-coils held within the said pole-pieces, a housing of non-magnetic metal secured to and closed at the ends by said field-magnets, means for holding the coils of the field-magnets in position, said housing consisting of two semicylindrical parts embracing the -pole-pieces to leave two longitudinal openings of equal widths extending the entire length of the housing and diametrically opposite to each other, said pole-pieces including centrallyapertured hubs to form bearings, a shaft longitudinally slidable in said hub-bearings, insulating-pins in the ends of said shaft, a pulley-shaped iron armature fixedly secured to the middle portion of said shaft, said armature having coil-receiving portions at each end, energizing-coils mounted in said armature, means for holding said coils in position on the armature, said armature including a cylindrical rim having a pair of diametrically-disposed parallel grooves, a block of insulating material secured to the armature in one of said grooves and adapted to permit passage of the terminal wires of. the armature-coils and to project through one of the openings between the housing portions, a metallic block secured to the armature in the other armature-groove and having a projecting stud adapted to project through the other opening between the housing-sections, one of saidhousing-sectionsbeing formed with a lug, a lever pivotally secured to said lug and having a bifurcated end to engage the stud of the metallic armature-block and a longitudinally-movable rod adapted to be engaged by the free end of said last-named lever for imparting motion to the switchshifting rod and a pair of circuit-closers each adapted to be engaged by the armatureshaft as it reaches the limit of its stroke, and toggle-spring devices for securing the parts in their extreme position, substantially as shown and described. v

12. An apparatus of the character stated, comprising in combination with a pair of stationary field magnets consisting of cupshaped iron p0le-pieces and energizing-coils held within the said pole-pieces, a housing of non-magnetic metal secured to and closed at the ends by said field-magnets, means for holding the coils of the field-magnets in position, said housing consisting of two semicylindrical parts embracing the pole-pieces to leave two longitudinal openings of equal widths extending the entire length of the housing and diametrically opposite to each other, said pole-pieces including centrallyapertured hubs to form bearings, a shaft longitudinally slidable in said hub-bearings, insulating-pins in the ends of said shaft, a pulley-sha ed iron armature fixedly secured to the mi dle portion of said shaft, said armature having coil-receiving portions at each end, energizing-coils mounted in said armature, means for holding said coils in position on the armature, said armature including a cylindrical rim having a pair of diametrically-disposed parallel grooves, a block of insulating material secured to the armature in one of said grooves and adapted to permit passage of the terminal wires of the armature-coils and to project through one of the openings between the housing portions, a metallic block secured to the armature in the other armature-groove, said block having a projecting stud adapted to project through the other opening between the housing-sections, one of said sections being made with a lug, a lever pivotally secured to said lug and having a bifurcated end to engage the stud of the metallic armature-block, a longitudinally-movable rod adapted to be engaged by the free end of said last-named lever for imparting motion to the switch-shifting rod, a pair of circuit-closers each adapted to be engaged by the armature-shaft as it reaches the limit of its stroke, toggle-spring devices for securing the parts in their extreme positions, and a hermitically-sealed housing for the Whole.

13. An apparatus of the character stated comprising an electric motor consisting of a pair of stationary field-magnets, each comprising a cup-shaped iron pole-piece, energizing-coils held within said cup-shaped polepieces, a pulley-shaped armature having cupshaped ends, energizing-coils held within a switch-shifting rod, bearings for said rod,

said switchshifting rod being mounted parallel with the armature-shaft and adapted to be connected with the rail-switch-connecting bar, a metallic sleeve slidable upon said shifting rod, adjusting-nuts at each side of said metallic sleeve on said rod, coil springs mounted on the rod between the sleeve and the adjusting-nuts, a pivotally-mounted lever having one end in connection with the armature and the other end in connection with the sleeve, and a toggle-spring attachment secured to said switch-shifting rod at one end, and fixedly held at its other end to lock the parts to their shifted positions, substantially as shown and described.

14. An apparatus of the character stated, comprising an electric motor consisting of a pair of stationary field-magnets, each comprising a cup-shaped iron pole-piece, energiz ing-coils held within said cup-shaped polepieces, a pulley-shaped armature having cupshaped ends, energizing coils held within said cup-shaped ends of the armature, an armatureshaft fixedly secured to the armature and reciprocatably mounted in bearingapertures in the cup-shaped pole-pieces, said armature being adapted for reciprocatable motion between said cup-shaped pole-pieces, a switch-shifting rod, bearings for said rod, said switch-shifting rod being mounted parallel with the armature-shaft and adapted to be connected with the rail-switch-connecting bar, a metallic sleeve slidable upon said shifting rod, adjustable nuts at each side of said metallic sleeve on said rod, coil springs mounted on the rod between the sleeve and the adjusting-nuts, a pivotally-mounted lever having one end in connection with the armature and the other end in connection with the sleeve, a toggle-spring attachment, said toggle-spring attachment comprising a swing-bracket mounted for oscillatory movement, an eyebolt longitudinally mounted in said bracket, a collar fixedly secured to said eyebolt between the bearing portions of the bracket, a coil-spring on said eyebolt between said collar and one of said bracketbearing portions, a clevis secured to the switch-shifting rod, said eyebolt being pivotally connected with said clevis, said toggle attachment being arranged to hold the parts in their shifted positions, substantially as shown and described.

15. An apparatus of the characterstated, comprising an electric motor consisting of a pair of stationary field-magnets, each comprising a cup-shaped iron pole-piece, energizing-coils held within said cup-shaped polepieces, a pulley-shaped armature having cupshaped ends, energizingcoils held within said cup-shaped ends of the armature, an armature-shaft fixedly secured to the armature and reciprocably mounted in bearingapertures in the cup-shaped pieces, said armature being adapted for reciprocatable motion between said cup shaped pole pieces, a switch-shifting rod, bearings for said rod, said switch-shifting rod being mounted parallel with the armature-shaft and adapted to be connected with the rail-switch-connecting bar, a metallic sleeve slidable upon said shifting rod, adjustable nuts at each side of said metallic sleeve on said rod, coil springs mounted on the rod between the sleeve and the adjusting-nuts, a pivotally-mounted lever having one end in connection with the armature and the other end in connection with the sleeve, a toggle-spring attachment, said toggle-spring attachment comprising a swing-bracket mounted for oscillatory movement, an eyebolt longitudinally mounted in said bracket,, a collar fixedly secured to said eyebolt between the bearing portions of the bracket, a coil-spring on said eyebolt between said collar and one of said bracketbearing portions, a clevis secured to switchshifting rod, said eyebolt being pivotally connected with said clevis, said toggle-spring attachment being arranged to hold the parts in their shifted positions, circuit-closers operatable by said armature-shaft and a hermetically-sealed housing for the whole substantially as shown and described.

16. In a switch-setting mechanism of the character stated, an electric motor comprising stationary field-magnets each consisting of a cup-shaped iron pole-piece, energizingcoils held within the cup shape pole-pieces, a pulley-shaped armature having cup-shaped coil-receiving portions at each end, energizing-coils held in said cup-shaped portions of the armature, an armature shaft endwise movable in apertures in the cup-shaped fieldmagnet pole-pieces and fixedly secured to the armature, said armature being adapted for reciprocating motion between the pole pieces of the field-magnets, a switch-shifting rod, connections between said switch-shifting rod and said motor-armature for imparting the motion of the motor-armature to the switch-shifting rod, circuit-closing devices mounted adjacent each end of the motor and adapted to be operated by the armature shaft as it reaches the limit of its stroke in either direction, each circuit-closer consisting of a base of insulating material, a metallic pillar having a horizontal arm or jib at its top and being mounted on said insulatingbase, wire-receiving terminal screws at the foot of said pillar, a pin secured to the foot portion of said pillar, an adjustable set-screw in the outer end of said jib, an angular lever fulcrumed upon said pillar and provided with a pin on its operating-arm, a coil-spring connecting said first-named pin to said secend-named pin said armature-shaft having insulating members in its ends, an adjustable set-screw in the end piece of the operatingarm of said angle-levers of the circuit-closers for operating with said insulating armatureshaft members, means for securing said setscrew to its adjusted position, a metallic setscrew at the other end of the angle-lever, means for mechanically securing said lastnamed set-screw to its adjusted positions, a metallic cup being secured to said insulated base and out of contact with said pillar to cooperate with said last-named set-screw, said metallic cup adapted to contain mercury and to be mechanically engaged by said last named set-screw when the circuit-closer has been operated upon by the armature-shaft, substantially as shown and described.

17. In a switch-setting mechanism of the character stated, an electric motor comprising stationary field-magnets each consisting of a cup-shaped iron polepiece, energizingcoils held within the cup-shaped pole-pieces, a pulley-shaped armature having cup-shaped coil-receiving portions at each end, energiz ing-coils held in said cup-shaped portions of the armature, an armature shal't endwise movable in bearing-apertures in the cupshaped field-magnet pole-pieces and fixedly secured to the armature, said armature being adapted for reciprocating motion between the pole-pieces of the field-magnets, a switch shifting rod, connections between said switch-shifting rod and said motor-armature for imparting the motion of the motor-armature to the switch-shifting rod, circuit-closing devices mounted adjacent each end of the motor and adapted to be operated by the armature-shaft as it reaches the limit of its stroke in either direction, each circuitcloser consisting of a base of insulating material, a metallic pillar having a horizontal arm orjib at its top end and being mounted on said insulating-base, wire-receiving terminal screws at the foot of said pillar, a pin secured to the foot portion of said pillar, an adjustable set-screw in the outer end of said jib, an angular lever fulcrumed upon said pillar and provided with a pin on its operatingarm, a coil-spring connecting said last-named pin with said first-named pin, said armatureshaft having insulating members in its ends, an adjustable setscrew in the end piece of one arm of each of said angle-levers of the IIO circuit-closers for cooperating with said insugle-levers, means for mechanically securing said last-named set-screw to its adjusted positions, a metallic cup being secured to said insulated base and out of contact with said pillar to cooperate with said last-named setscrew, said metallic cup adapted tocontain mercury and to be en aged by said lastnamed set-screw when t e circuit-closer has been operated upon by the armature-shaft, and a hermetically-sealed housing for the whole.

18. An apparatus of the character stated, comprising an electric motor consisting of field and armature magnets, said field-magnets each including a cup-shaped iron polepiece, said armature consisting of a pulleyshaped body having oppositely-arranged cavities, energizing-coils held in said armaturecavities, energizing-coils held in the cupshaped pole-pieces, a shaft to which said armature is fixedly secured and which projects through bearing-apertures in the pole-pieces to allow the armature to describe a longitudinal motion between the pole-pieces, a switchshifting rod, lever connections between the switch-shifting rod and the armature to impart the motion of the armature to the switch-shifting rod, toggle-spring devices for locking the entire mechanism to its final positions, circuit-closers mounted adjacent the motor for operation by said motor-armature, an iron housing for hermetically and waterproofingly inclosing the entire electromechanical apparatus, said housing serving also,

as a junction-box for all cable-joints, and comprising a metallic frame having a pair of oppositely-disposed outwardly-projected apertured bosses, metallic bearing-bushings secured to the said housing and projecting within said bosses, said bearings adapted to receive the switch-shifting rod, said housing having an inside flat portion, a terminal block having binding-screws, mounted on said fiat portion within the housing, said toggle devices being secured at one end to said housing, means carried by the housing for hermetically passing the leading-in cables through the housing-wall, a metallic bottom plate secured to the bottom of said housing-frame and a removable cover-plate secured to the top of said housing-frame, said cover-plate having a plurality of finger-engaging eyebolts for the purposes specified.

19. In a switch-setting apparatus, an electric motor comprising a pair of stationary field-magnets each consisting of a cup-shaped iron pole-piece and energizing-coils held within the cup portion of said pole-pieces, a cylindrical tubular casing secured to said pole-pieces and closed at the ends by said pole-pieces, said casing consisting of nonmagnetic material, means for securing the energizing-coils of the field-magnets in position thereon, a pulley-shaped armature having cup portions at each end and mounted for reciprocation between the said pole-pieces within the casing, a shaft passing through apertures in the pole-pieces upon which said armature is fixedly secured, energizing-coils secured Within the cup-shaped portion of the armature, means for holding said last-named coils in position.

20. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an eletromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature coils in circuit with the source of electric energ a reversing-switch for reversing the current in the armature, a balanced electromagnetic indicator in the armature-circuit, and means controlled by the switch-setting mechanism for varying the electric current as it passes through the indicator to upset its balance to indicate the position of the switch.

21. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armatureelectromagnets, in circuit with the source of electric energy, a current-reversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balanced electromagnetic indicator in the armature-circult, and means controlled by the switch-setting mechanism for varying the electric current in a portion of the armature-circuit as it passes through the indicator to upset the indicator-balance to cause the indicator to indicate the position of the switch;

22. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair of line-wires connecting the field-magnet coils with the source of electric energy, a second pair of line-wires connecting the armature-coils with the source of electric energy, a current-reversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balanced indicator including a pair of coils, one of whlch'is connected in series with one armature line-wire and the other connected in series with the other armature line-wire, and means controlled by the switch-setting mechanism, for varying the current in one of said armature line-wires to upset the balance of the indicator to cause it to indicate the position of the switch-setting mechanism.

23. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair of line-wires connecting the field-magnet coils with the sourceof energy, a second pair of line-wires connecting the armature-coils with the source of energy, a current-reversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balanced indicator including a pair of operating-coils, one of which is connected in series with one armature linewire and the other connected in series with the other line-wire, and means controlled by the switch-setting mechanism for shunting a supplemental current through one of said armature line-wires to upset the balance of the indicator. i 5

24. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair of line-wires connecting the field-magnet coils with the source of electric energy, a second pair of line-wires connecting the armature-coils with the source of electric energy, a current-reversing switch in the armaturecircuit, a balanced indicator including a pair of coils, one of which is connected in series with one atmature line-wire and the other connected in series with the other armature line-wire, and means controlled by the switch-setting mechanism, for Varying the current in one of said armature line-wires to upset the balance of the indicator to cause it to indicate the position of the switch-setting mechanism, without changing the flow of current through the armature.

25. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair of line-wires connecting the field-magnet coils with the source of energy, a second pair of line-wires connecting the armature-coils with the source of energy, a current-reversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balanced indicator including a pair of operating-coils one of which is connected in series with one armature line-Wire and the other connected in series with the other line-wire, and means controlled by the switch-setting mechanism for shunting a supplemental current through one of said armature line-wires to upset the balance of the indicator, without changing the flow of current through the armature.

26. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair or line-wires connecting the field-magnet coils with the source of electric energy, a second pair of line-wires connecting the armature-coils with the source of electric energy, a current-reversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balan'ced indicator including a pair of coils, one of which is connected in series with one armature line-wire and the other connected in series with the other armature line-wire, and means controlled by the switch-setting mechanism, for Varying the current in one of said armature line-wires to upset the balance of the indicator to cause it to indicate the posi tion of the switch-setting mechanism, said last-named means comprising a circuitcloser connected to one armature line-wire and to the field-coil circuit midway between the field-coils.

27. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair of line-wires connecting the field magnet coils with the source of electric energy, a second pair of line wires connecting the armature coils with the source of electric energy, a currentreversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balanced indicator including a pair of coils, one of which is connected in series with one armature line-wire and the other connected in series with the other armature line-wire, and means controlled by the switch-setting mechanism, for varying the current in one of said armature line-wires to upset the balance of the indicator to cause it to indicate the position of the switch-setting mechanism, said last-named means comprising a circuit-closer connected to one armature line-wire and to the field-coil circuit midway between the fieldcoils, and a second circuit closer likewise connected to the field-coil circuit and to the other armature line-wire.

28. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair of line-wires connecting the field-magnet coils with the source of electric energy, a second air of line-wires connecting the armature-coils with the source of electric energy, a current-reversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balanced indicator including a pair of coils, one of which is connected in series with one armature line-wire and the other connected in series with the other armature line-wire, and means controlled by the switch-setting mechanism for Varying the current in one of said armature line-wires to upset the balance of the indicator to cause it to indicate the position of the switch-setting mechanism, said last-named means comprising a circuit-closer connected to one armature line-wire and to the field-coil circuit midway between the field-coils, and a second circuit-closer likewise connected to the field-coil circuit and to the other armature line-wire, said circuitclosers each including portions to be engaged by the armature to operate the closers.

29. In a system of the character stated, a source oi. electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair of line-wires connecting the field magnet coils with the source of energy, a second pair of line-wires connecting the armature coils with the source of energy, a current-reversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balanced indicator including a pair of operating-coils, one of which is connected in series with one armature line-wire and the other connected in series with the other armature line-wire, and means controlled by the switch setting mechanism for shunting a supplemental current through one of said armature line-wires to upset the balance of the indicator, said means comprising a circuit-closer connected to one armature line-wire and to the fieldcoil circuit midway between the field-coils.

30. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair of line-wires connecting the field-magnet coils with the source of energy, a second pair of line-wires connecting the armature coils with the source of energy, a current-reversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balanced indicator including a pair of operating-coils, one of which is connected in series with one armature line-wire and the other connected in se ries with the other armature line-wire, and means controlled by the switch setting mechanism for shunting a supplemental current through one of said armature line-wires to upset the balance of the indicator, said means comprising a circuit-closer connected to one armature line-wire and to the fieldcoil circuit midway between the field-coils, and a second circuit-closer likewise connected to the field-coil circuit and to the other armature line-wire, said circuit-closers each including portions to be engaged by the armature to operate the closers.

31. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair of line-wires connecting the field-magnet coils with the source of energy, a second pair of line-wires connecting the armature-coils with the source of energy, a current-reversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balanced indicator including alpair of operating-coils one of which is connected in series with one armature line- Wire and the other connected in series with the other line-wire, and means controlled by the switch-setting mechanism for shunting a supplemental current through one of said armature linewires to upset the balance of the indicator, without changing the flow of current through the armature, said last-named means comprising circuit-closers connected to the field-coil circuit between the field-coils and to the armature line-wires, and including portions for engaging with the armature and to be operated thereby.

32. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature coils in circuit with the source of electric energy, a reversing-switch for reversing the current in the armature, a balanced electromagnetic indicator in the armaturecircuit, and means controlled by the switch setting mechanism for varying the electric current as it passes through the indicator to upset its balance to indicate the position of the switch, and electric heaters adapted to be disposed adjacent the switch-rails and connected in series with the switch-setting mechanism.

33. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, in circuit with the source of electric energy, a current-reversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balanced electromagnetic indicator in the armaturecircuit, means controlled by the switch-set ting mechanism for Varying the electric current in a portion of the armature-circuit as it passes through the indicator to upset the illdicator-balance to cause the indicator to indicate the position of the switch, and electric heaters adapted to be disposed adjacent the switch-rails and connected in series with the switch-setting mechanism.

34. In a system of the character stated, a source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair of line-wires connecting the fieldmagnet coils with the source of energy, a second pair of line-wires connecting the armature-coils with the source of energy, a current-reversing switch in one armaturecircuit, a balanced indicator including a pair of operating-coils, one of which is connected in series with one armature linewire and the other connected in series with the other line-wire, means controlled by the switch-setting mechanism for shunting a supplemental current through one of said armature line-wires to upset the balance of the indicator, and electric heaters adapted to be disposed adjacent the switch-rails and connected in series with the switch-setting mechanism.

35. In a system of the character stated, a I

source of electric energy, an electromagnetic switch-setting mechanism including field and armature electromagnets, a pair of line-wires connecting the field-magnet coils with the source of electric energy, a second pair of line-wires connecting the armature-coils with the source of electric energy, a current-reversing switch in the armature-circuit, a balanced indicator including a pair of coils, one ofwhich is connected in series with one armature line-wire and the other connected in series with the other armature line-wire, and

tion of the switch-setting mechanism Without changing the flow of current through the armature, and electric heaters adapted to be disposed adjacent the switch-rails and connected in series with the switch-setting mechanism. BR UN 0 OTTO WVAGNER.

IVitnesses ALBERT AUGUST Z EHLKE, THOMAS B. COLLIER. 

